What to Do When Your Contacts Can't Find You A Job!

I've come to a roadblock in my quest for Fashion PR employment. Though I have made many connections it seems that my network of professionals just cannot help me find work. At this point (8 months post grad) it may just be entirely up to me to break my way into the industry.

As per advice given by my career mentor,
I have made contact with a few more recruiter agencies here in NYC. Though it is difficult to think of actually putting your job search in someone else's hands it may just do the trick. Many reputable PR firms and fashion houses use agency recruiters to find the best candidates around.

So as I continue to look on my own I am being represented by an agent who knows my career path, where I have been and how I intend to get there. When you network of contacts seem unable to lend a helping hand consider a recruiting agency.

Fashion Interview Attire

So many of us industry newbies wonder what is acceptable when it comes to dressing for fashion interviews. It's easy to look at movies like the Devil Wears Prada and put something together to channel Miranda's style but what do interviewers really look for when it comes to perspective employees?

Research tells me that employers could really care less about what their employees wear as long as their clean and presentable. But how can this be possible when working in an industry that prides itself on what people look like? So as I prepare for an interview today I focused on highlighting my ability to do beyond what the job requires me to do. I kept my attire simple. Replicating the basic corporate suit with a twist of fashion. Make sure that you look as confident on the outside as you feel on the inside. Smile! This is without a doubt the best thing you can wear to any job interview.

Accessories are the pieces you can use to showcase your personal style. Wear a pair of shoes that make you feel tall and confident. Use a handbag that is professional yet screams out "I understand trends and know how to make them my own!" Give it your all. Let the employer know your the one for the job and that your willing to do the work...even before you've gotten the job.

New Year. New Silk to Adorn.

So here we are in a brand new year. The resolutions are strong and the gym memberships are on fire!

I'm pushing forward on the journey to begin my passion. A career that allows me to be involved in fashion and PR. As I'm writing this post I think about how far I've come since my high school graduation.

Accomplishments seem to line up as I recount my past years in college. Yet, being the perfectionist I am, I still have so much more to do. In 2013 I hope to accomplish professional growth and more hands on practical experience.

As I move forward with a new internship I tell myself my dream is a whisper away. I crave to release my creativity which stems from the designer in me, I want to be involved in the making of incredible things. Nothing brings me more joy...it's like being wrapped in silk.

You didn't get the job.

Well. You didn't get the job. You weren't sent a rejection letter nor were you denied on the spot. You just have not heard from the interviewer in two weeks after being told you would hear a decision by end if the week (the interview was on a Monday).

Of coarse you were on fire about the position but after careful consideration you have come to the conclusion that maybe this company wasn't the place for you. You are destined for something greater.

The next step when dealing with job rejection is to simply pick yourself up and moving forward. Something greater is waiting for you. Persistence is key. As the new year comes around remember that your dreams are moments from coming true. Never sell yourself short!

My First PR/Social Media Job Interview

On Monday Dec 17, 2012 I went into my first interview for a full time paid position. I was more excited and anxious than nervous. I arrived early. Not because I was trying to brown nose but because I was genuinely happy to be there. I got a glimpse of another job hunter interviewing for the same position and realized the competition was real. I found the lion within and decided this job would be mine. I was hungry...hungry for success and happiness within my work environment. PR does this for me. In the interview the VP received me with a sturdy hand shake and a smile. We discussed the brands direction as pertaining to social media and what exactly I would be doing should I come on board. I explained my experience in Pr and social media and why I was the person for the job. I left feeling great like I'd already received the job. I was told I would be contacted with a decision by the end of the week. The VP thanked me for coming in as she walked me out the door.

I was offered the internship!

So two days after the internship interview I received an email offering me the job! I accepted of coarse! I was ecstatic. Moving forward and remaining relevant was a part of my plan for success in 2013. I knew the interview went well and that the internship was in the bag. Call in cockiness but it is shear confidence! I was born to work in PR. I am set to begin in January and I could not be more excited. Work hard and follow your dreams. They will come true.

Stay Connected Until Something Happens

As I finished my first semester of my MBA program and my time at Gucci ended I wondered what I would do next being that I hadn't received ONE job offer. I worried about paying school loans, putting gas in the car, and buying groceries. Stress didn't begin to explain what I was feeling.

Does it hurt to stop interning while looking for a job in fashion PR? I asked the advice of PR pro __________ who told me the best advice she could give me was "keep on interning and gaining your experience the job WILL come!" I thought "I can't do that, I have to get a real job" although I am working two jobs to stay above water I hate the idea of maybe having to do this for even another week. I've thought over and over and over about what my choice would be and I chosen future. I know it won't be easy and I will have to sacrifice many things but the real prize will come with a career that will allow me to grow personally and professionally.

Being that I am single (not married) and do not have children this is something that I can do. If your responsibilities make it a bit more difficult for you seek the help of your friends and family. Explain your intensions and be clear about your desires to be a better you. I vow to chase my dreams at all costs. Even if it means working for free. It is so important to make sure your expletive is fresh and valid in the eyes of future employers.

Working My First Sample Sale

I was stationed in the Lobby of the tower in order to mandate the guest list of fashion gods, also known as Editors. As they lined up for the 9:30 sale I thought to myself "This is some crucial semi-networking time". I made it a point to introduce myself where appropriate provide a swift transition from checking in to hitting the sales floor of the sample sale.

Being an intern your not at the top of the priority list but eloquence and organization will often get you noticed. Being in charge of "the list" gave me the power to see who these editors were face to face. I engaged them with small talk about the weather and jokes about the rush that comes with some sample sales. Like the fights that were created for films like 'Confessions of a Shopoholic". I was doing it! And without even trying...I made them smile and a few even laughed and took the time to wish me look with my endeavors as they left the building. To think that I was once a shy girl.

A great quality to have as an intern is pride. Now I don't mean the kind of pride that causes you to be a complete jerk but the kind that is noticed in everything you do around the office. It's seen in the precision that you possess when sending out samples or calling the messenger center to check on a package. Have pride in your work and you'll begin to see the trust that your supervisors develop in your abilities. Some might say that being the door woman at a sample sale isn't a glamorous role. I would have to say that if your going into PR for the glamour...maybe you should choose another career.

My time interning has always been hard work and justly so. You have to put in your time and realize that everyone over you has once been where you are now and no one can respect someone who hasn't paid their dues. From the moment I entered the doors of my last internship I have enjoyed every moment. From the mistakes to this sample sale. Today was a good day! Remember that your dreams are attainable if your willing to get your hands dirty.

Finding a job in New York Public Relations in the Year 2012-2013

Difficult would be an understatement. I have been searching for a job in PR for the past six months. Asking for advice and interning in the process. My desire to be a part of this industry is what keeps me off the ledge. But what are the guidelines to achieving this goal (if any) and how do i follow them in such a competitive environment  inflamed by the recession?

I am a recent college graduate majored in Business Marketing with a second degree in Fashion Design. Yes. I have submerged myself in the world of fashion. However, on this journey I've come across what seems to be nothing but road blocks and a never ending stream of politically correct rejection letters and promises to "keep you on record, should another position open up". At times this was disheartening but what I try to keep in mind is the euphoric vibes I experience every time I enter a showroom or open the pages of a magazine to see an editorial spread that I was a part of creating. That's it! That feeling is all too real. Something I could never see myself trading for a boring life of folding sweaters at the local mall.

But is it enough to get you the job? This is my burning question. I've been able to obtain some of the top in demand internships in the country but have yet to turn those into jobs. Some blame it on the market. I just think its about strategically planning around the loop holes of this industry.

Being in school is what gets you to the internship and maybe even the interview but it often doesn't get you the job. I've found that real world (industry) experience yields returns on interviews that turn into job offers. Experience also gives you room to network and this is equally as important as interning. Speaking to any and everyone has given me so much insight on the industry and contacts to people who could possible help me obtain my first job in fashion PR.

So what is this purpose of this blog Joi?

Even though you may be frustrated with your job hunt regardless of the industry. Determination and persistence will yield returns. I have created this particular article as the beginning of a documentation of my journey through my career in fashion PR. Come along for the ride!